E12 525 3.0 'Motorsport'

[Jeroen]

One of the first exercises from BMW Motorsport was to make regular models a bit faster. That started in 1974, for example with the fresh E12 5-series. With the slightly sluggish top of the range 528 (back then) there was a call for a faster and more sporty E12 and Neerpasch, Rosche and their buddies were eager to oblige and offered the 3 litre M30 engines from the E9 Coupés as an upgrade. The 3.0 from the 3.0CS with twin dual carbs and the 3.0i with the D-Jet from the 3.0CSi.

They didn't just stick to the engine and apart from suspension mods, sports seats, BBS alloys and the Motorsport Steering wheel were popular mods. These Motorsport versions could be identified by their motorsport stripes and by the widened power bulge to accomodate the carbs (see below, I tried to make it easy to compare the Motorsport hood with the stock version right next to it).

At the 2015 Sharknose Meeting in Holland we saw a wonderful example of these rare cars, fully original and with the entire package installed! Pics below.

Thanks to Raymond for pointing me in the direction of this special vehicle otherwise I might have overlooked it at what was a busy day for us!

















Feel free to comment if you have additional info or if I'm incorrect on some sections. Anyone know production numbers?

[BertjeConti]

About the bonnet, all first series with the six in it have the bulge, only 4 cilinder models don't have the bulge. Facelift models '77-》have the same bonnet for all engine types like the right one on the first photo.
Facelift models are easy to regcocnize, they have the bigger tail lights and fuel filler at right wing.

And there is a strange thing about this 3.0 motorsport, and thats the 525 logo in the grill.

[323baur]

No, it aint.
You ordered a 525 or 528, and after that you could go for some extra power.
So this was of Dingolfing a 525, which is build to a 3litre

Very rare car! I believe/ heard that there are no more than a few hunderd build..

[Jeroen]

Thanks for the details on the bonnet!

As for the 525 badge, Ite is right. The car in the magazine article (1975) also has the 525 badge. Mine only has a 710 badge

[323baur]

Lol.

7 series, with a one litre engine?